Changing of the guard: Jaxon Vargo takes reins as Leechburg’s starting quarterback

By: Giustino Racchini
Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 4:56 PM

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Leechburg has seen its football stock rise over the past several years, and while the Blue Devils have had elite skill position talent, the quarterback play has helped lift them to contending levels.

Jayden Floyd, the 2024 Valley News Dispatch Player of the Year, graduated, ending his three-year run as the starting quarterback. Enter Jaxon Vargo, who backed up Floyd the past two seasons. The junior will be ready to take the reins as the starter for coach Randy Walters.

“(Jayden) showed really good leadership in close games last season,” Vargo said. “He was able to make big plays and just keep everybody calm when he led the team.”

Vargo has waited his turn to be the starter and hopes his performance will show how much he has been relishing the opportunity.

“He has exceeded my expectations this offseason, and I know what type of kid he is in all facets,” Walters said. “He comes from a good family and has been putting in a lot of work in the weight room this offseason.”

Walters gushed about the potential of the offensive line, which has all five starters returning. Vargo can feel at ease with a veteran group up front.

“It helps me to feel real confident, and I don’t have to worry about getting hit as much,” said Vargo, whose father Tyler is the Blue Devils defensive coordinator. “It’s important for me to feel safer back there and do what I need to do.”

Leechburg will have to replace one of its better receivers, Jake Cummings. Cummings, now at Allegheny, provided a big boost offensively for Floyd.

Key returners include Rocco Vigna and Bryce Gilmer. Both had experience last season as backup receivers.

The coaching staff has had to overhaul several key positions, but the confidence from the new starting quarterback permeates the roster.

“They (coaches) have helped me so much with technique,” Vargo said. “If it’s your first year playing, by the end of the season, it seems like you have been playing for a couple of years.”

As Vargo’s game develops, Walters said he will be looking for a particular trait that can be a harbinger of success.

“I’m all about footwork,” Walters said. “A lot of guys get lazy with their feet, and the more you move them, the more time you have to throw the ball.”

While Walters said Vargo is making strides, there’s still work to do with his deep ball as well as perfecting timing with his receivers. But the coach is confident in the first-year starting quarterback’s ability to lead the Blue Devils.

“I’m really excited for Jaxon, and I think that he is gonna do great,” Walters said. “People may think that we can’t do it without Jayden, but I have lots of confidence in Jaxon.”

Tags: Leechburg